Meet our Board - Mike Minnell (Chairperson)

Each week, we will introduce you to a member of our Executive Board - this week we meet Mike!

Mike works in health services currently contracting to the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation. He has a very colourful and diversified background from serving in the NZ Army and working for the NZ Police and Department of Corrections to working in both the Public and Maori health sectors. In addition, Mike previously managed his own entertainment company, which provided artist management services, event management and mentoring.

He is a qualified Stand Up Paddleboard & Surf instructor, personal trainer, International Taekwon Do Black Belt instructor and former NZ Black Belt champion and serves on the Aotearoa Taekwon Do Academy and is the Chairman of the Performing Arts Development Trust. Mike's passion is seeing people achieve in everything they set out to do and he's always happy to lend a hand where he can.

Get to know the rest of the team now - click here for more information on all our Board Members!

Wahine Maori Entrepreneurs Conference

July 13-14 2015 - Trinity Wharf, Dive Cresent, Tauranga

Maori women play a significant role in developing and sustaining the cultural, social and economic lives of Maori communities. They are the driving force behind Kohanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Maori and other Maori community development initiatives and actively contribute to the growth and expansion of programmes and services for whanau, hapu and iwi.

The Wahine Maori Entrepreneurs Conference brings together speakers from a range of employment endeavours that are keen to share their stories with others on the entrepreneurial journey or those thinking of venturing into this brave new world. There will also be people with particular expertise in areas of business as well as the experience of indigenous women entrepreneurs in other countries. The conference is being held as follows:

An additional discount of $50 is available to TMBA members that register for both days. Click here for further information and to register.

Poutama Networking Event

Welcome Back to the BOP - Jeanna Love

On Friday, 28th March 2014, Poutama and TMBA held a networking event at the Mount Maunganui Surf Club to welcome back Jeanna Love as Poutama's Bay of Plenty Business Advisor.

This was a great opportunity to meet Jeanna and other Poutama representatives, and network with Poutama and TMBA business clients.

Guests were also able to sample some delicious indigenous kai and beverages, with highlights being the paua, salmon and Bird Wines.

Entertainment was provided by local Tauranga Moana all girl band 'Mesmerize'.

RIP Rachel Wilson

CA. Past Treasurer - TMBA

It is with great sadness that we have to inform you all of the recent passing of Rachel Wilson.

Rachel was a core member of the rebirth of TMBA and former Treasurer. Her dedication and commitment to TMBA in its initial stages contributed to the foundation and succeses that we have with TMBA today.

Rachel was passionate about everything she did and inspired others to succeed through her courage, strength and determination.

She was a huge asset to TMBA and will be sadly missed.

Kei konā te aroha me te whakaaro

With love and deepest sympathy

We have been very saddened to hear of the passing of our former colleague Rachel Wilson and who's tangi will be held this Friday at 1.30pm at Pyes Pa.

When we re-launched Te Manawa Pou Tahi in late 2011 Rachel was amongst the first to put her hand up to become involved and was instrumental in setting up the financial side of our organisation.

Her accounting skills were invaluable as was her organising ability, business skills and of course the network of contacts she brought with her.

While her illness might have slowed her down it never diminished her courage and spirit and we feel very humbled to have been blessed by her presence in our lives for too short a time.